UTSA students map Hollywood Park deer

(March 8, 2005)--For the second time in five years UTSA Assistant Professor Stephen
Brown and students in his geographic information systems (GIS) glass completed a six-week study
mapping the deer population of Hollywood Park.

Hollywood Park officials requested the study to see the impact of a 2002 deer-feeding ordinance that bans
feeding deer on private and public property and carries a maximum $500 fine.

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"We use laser range finders attached to GPS equipment that allow us to mark the deer's location," said
Brown. "That also allows us to map the deer that are on private property or in people's back yards that we
could not get to."

Over the years, city officials have taken measures to limit the deer populations including implementing
a relocation program and killing deer to feed the indigent.

After repeated samples, an average of 220 deer were observed, 25 with antlers and 195 without
antlers. The 2000 study showed an estimated 300 deer roaming around the suburban community.

According to Brown, despite the fine and the city's efforts, the data still shows ongoing regular feeding
of deer in Hollywood Park.